Bargaining Update

University of California

University of California's bargaining team presented what they are calling a "Last, Best, and Final Offer" for Research (RX) and Technical (TX) members of UPTE-CWA. The offer still contains unnecessary and unacceptable cuts including eliminating pay step increases for experience and longevity, no daily overtime or protections for full-time work, putting pension benefits in jeopardy by pushing new hires to choose a risky 401(k), and more.;

"UPTE-CWA members are the backbone of world-class education, health care, and research at UC campuses and medical centers," said Elisa Cleveland, a Staff Research Associate at UC San Francisco, and a member of UPTE-CWA's Bargaining Team. "UC executives' bad faith-bargaining over nearly two years has undermined the institution they are responsible for. UPTE-CWA is standing with students, patients, and our communities who expect and deserve more."

"It would have been one thing for UC executives to start with this offer in 2017," said Erich Wise, a Senior Lab Mechanician at UC Irvine, and a member of the UPTE-CWA Bargaining Team. "Putting it on the table now, after we've already fallen so far behind the rising cost of living adds insult to injury. They have seen our power striking in solidarity with AFSCME. They hope they have worn us down but let me tell you: they haven't seen anything yet."

UC can now impose their terms on Research and Technical members, and UPTE-CWA can call an economic strike to pressure UC to offer a fair contract.

The UPTE-CWA UC bargaining team preparing to meet with UC for post-Fact Finding Research (RX) and Technical (TX) negotiations.

###

Park City Mountain Resort 

Members of the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association/CWA Local 7781 have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new agreement covering all ski patrollers and mountain safety personnel at Park City Mountain resort through November of 2020. Included in the agreement are base wage increases and a compensation scale for specialty skills such as avalanche control, dog handlers, chair lift evacuation coordinators, EMTs, and paramedics.

"We were motivated by a desire to retain a highly skilled, professional, and tenured Ski Patrol workforce," said Julia Edwards, a member of the bargaining committee. "We're working diligently to ensure that Patrollers can earn a livable wage, and remain here serving our guests and the Park City community for their entire career."